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Effect of water source and feed regime on development and phenotypic quality in Anopheles gambiae (s.l.): prospects for improved mass-rearing techniques towards release programmes
Get PDF© The Author(s) 2019.BACKGROUND: In many malaria-endemic sub-Saharan countries, insecticide resistance poses a threat to existing mosquito control measures, underscoring the need for complementary control methods such as sterile and/or genetically-modified mosquito release programmes. The sibling species Anopheles gambiae and An. coluzzii are responsible for malaria transmission in most of this region. In their natural habitat, these species generally breed in clean, soft water and it is believed that divergent preference in their larval breeding sites have played a role in their speciation process. Mosquito release programmes rely on the rearing of mosquitoes at high larval densities. Current rearing protocols often make use of deionised water regardless of the strain reared. They also depend on a delicate balance between the need for adequate feeding and the negative effect of toxic ammonia and food waste build-up on mosquito development, making managing and improving water quality in the insectary imperative.
METHODS: Here, we investigated the impact of water source and feed regimes on emergence rate and phenotypic quality of mosquitoes in the insectary. First-instar larvae of An. gambiae (Kisumu strain) and An. coluzzii (Mopti and VK3 strains) were reared in three water sources with varying degrees of hardness (deionised, mineral and a mix of the two), with a daily water change. Larvae were fed daily using two standardised feeding regimes, solution and powder feed.
RESULTS: Water source had a significant impact on mosquito size and development time for all strains. Earlier emergence of significantly larger mosquitoes was observed in mineral water with the smallest mosquitoes developing later from deionised water. Wing-length was significantly longer in mineral, mixed water and in powder feed, irrespective of sex, strains or water types. Deionised water was the least favourable for mosquito quality across all strains.
CONCLUSIONS: Mineral water and powder feed should be used in rearing protocols to improve mosquito quality where the optimal quality of mosquitoes is desired. Although results obtained were not significant for improved mosquito numbers, the phenotypic quality of mosquitoes reared was significantly improved in mineral water and mix water. Further studies are recommended on the impact mineral water has on other fitness traits such as longevity, fecundity and mating competitiveness.This work was funded by a PhD scholarship from Faculty for the Future fellowship, Schlumberger Foundation, The Hague, Netherlands and Niger Delta Development Commission, Nigeria to N.O.A
SP3 protocol optimised for foodcrust protein extraction from archaeological cooking vessels
Get PDFA SP3-based protocol developed for the extraction of proteins from charred organic residues (foodcrust) found on cooking vessels. This protocol is to prepare samples for MALDI-ToF MS and LC-MS/MS analysis. We recommend starting with a batch size of 2-10 samples, and including flanking negative controls (blanks) to test for any downstream contamination.The Leverhulme Trus
Building Decompanion: A step towards standardisation and the enhancement of inter- and trans-disciplinary research in forensic taphonomy
Get PDFThis thesis introduces Decompanion, an innovative online platform designed to standardise and enhance inter- and trans-disciplinary research within the field of forensic taphonomy. Forensic taphonomy, a subfield of forensic science, focuses on understanding postmortem processes to aid legal investigations. Despite its importance, the field faces significant challenges, including a lack of standardised methodologies and terminologies, limited interdisciplinary collaboration, and insufficient data sharing. This research addresses these challenges by developing a tool that standardises forensic taphonomy practices, integrates emerging technologies, and fosters global collaboration. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining empirical research with analytical techniques to assess the need for and impact of Decompanion. Key findings demonstrate the tool's potential to significantly improve the consistency and reliability of forensic taphonomy data by standardising methodologies and terminologies across the field. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies such as 3D scanning and Forward Looking Infrared imaging within Decompanion has the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of data collection and analysis, offering new insights into decomposition processes.
A contribution of this thesis is the focus on decomposition in a humid temperate climate, specifically within the context of the United Kingdom. The research documents and analyses decomposition using pig carcasses as human analogues, capturing high-resolution data through advanced imaging technologies. This regional focus fills a critical gap in the literature, providing essential baseline data for forensic investigations in similar climatic regions. Moreover, the thesis underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing forensic taphonomy. Decompanion facilitates the sharing of research designs, protocols, and data, promoting a more cohesive and integrated approach to forensic investigations. The platform's user base, which reached six of the seven continents within just four weeks of its launch, demonstrates its global relevance and the widespread need for such a tool.
Despite its significant contributions, the study acknowledges certain limitations, including the geographical specificity of the research and the challenges associated with using pig carcasses as human analogues. Future work is recommended to expand on the study by comparing different climates, incorporating human cadavers, and integrating more advanced technological tools such as machine learning algorithms. This thesis fills critical gaps in forensic taphonomy, offering practical solutions to longstanding challenges in the field. Decompanion not only sets a new standard for data standardisation and interdisciplinary collaboration but also serves as a valuable resource for forensic researchers and practitioners worldwide. The research has far-reaching implications for both the academic community and policy within forensic investigations
Are leaders born or made? Can technological approaches assist the development and training of future leaders?
Get PDFThe debate over whether leaders are born or made remains a persistent theme within academic literature. In an era shaped by rapid digitalisation and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), new opportunities have emerged to advance both leadership theory and practice. This study explores the composition and development of leaders in society, with a particular focus on how technology, specifically AI, can enhance leadership learning and development. As digital technologies become increasingly integrated into all facets of life, this research addresses existing knowledge gaps by re-examining the longstanding debate on the origins of leadership. It uses this debate as a foundational analysis to assess the potential of AI in training and developing future leaders. The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether leaders are inherently born or developed through experience and learning, while simultaneously examining the role of AI as a tool for leadership training. By reviewing existing literature and assessing how technological tools can support leadership development, the study aims to contribute both to theoretical understanding and practical application. A Grounded Ethnography methodology was employed, gathering participant reflections from trials using the ChatGPT AI application to support leadership learning. This approach generated primary data on user experience and evaluated the feasibility of AI as a development tool. Additionally, Grounded Theory techniques were applied to analyse Likert scale responses measuring participants perceived growth in leadership knowledge through chatbot interactions. A total of 12 participants engaged in a series of questionnaires and a live AI chatbot session, providing insights into user experience, knowledge acquisition, and the practical application of AI in leadership development. Findings from this doctoral study suggest that AI chatbots can be effective, supportive tools for enhancing leadership knowledge. While the study does not definitively resolve whether leaders are born or made, it proposes that this debate may become increasingly irrelevant in the face of advancing technology. The capacity of AI to supplement or even reshape traditional leadership development models signals a shift in focus toward leveraging innovation for training. This research underscores the transformative impact of AI on leadership development. It demonstrates that AI can deliver scalable, cost-effective, and personalised training, tailored to individual strengths and learning needs. The study contributes to Theory by integrating AI with leadership and learning frameworks, notably enriching Cognitive Load Theory and operational leadership strategies. Practically, it introduces AI-driven, adaptive learning pathways that facilitate real-time feedback and reflection. As digitalisation and AI continue to evolve, this research offers future leaders access to global best practices and interdisciplinary knowledge, fostering more dynamic and responsive leadership development
The legal and ethical considerations in cross-border telesurgical procedures
Get PDFCopyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.Telesurgery, or remote surgery, represents a transformative fusion of medicine and technology, enabling surgeons to perform procedures on patients located miles away using robotic systems and advanced telecommunications. However, its widespread adoption remains limited, with fewer than 50 documented fully remote telesurgical procedures in the past two decades. While robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly common - accounting for over 1.2 million procedures in 2019 - true cross-border telesurgery is rare due to technological, legal, and ethical barriers. The lack of a unified regulatory framework presents jurisdiction, licensing, liability, and data security challenges, particularly when procedures span international borders. The absence of standardized legal mechanisms creates uncertainty, especially in surgical complications or malpractice claims. A global regulatory framework should address these challenges, incorporating mutual recognition of medical licenses, standardized liability agreements, and uniform data protection protocols aligned with General Data Protection Regulation and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Additionally, real-time 5G-enabled monitoring systems could mitigate latency issues, reducing the risk of surgical errors due to connectivity disruptions. Ethically, telesurgery raises concerns regarding informed consent, equitable access, and accountability. Language barriers, differing cultural attitudes toward robotic surgery, and disparities in healthcare infrastructure complicate ethical oversight. Establishing an international telesurgical ethics board could ensure adherence to standardized consent procedures and promote equitable access through global partnerships. Investment in telesurgical training programs and AI-driven risk mitigation strategies could enhance patient safety. While technological advancements will continue to drive telesurgery's growth, addressing these legal and ethical considerations through harmonized global regulations and strategic policy interventions is crucial for sustainable and equitable integration into modern healthcare.N/
The impact of sleep deprivation on brain fog, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular risk in young adults
Get PDFThe version of record of this article, first published in [Cureus: Journal of Medical Science], is available online at Publisher’s website: http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.83757Introduction Sleep deprivation is an escalating public health concern among young adults, as it impairs cognitive function and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Existing studies have linked chronic sleep deficiencies to mental confusion, reduced cognitive performance, and early signs of cognitive decline. Research also indicates that inadequate sleep contributes to metabolic dysregulation and autonomic system instability, both of which elevate cardiovascular risk. However, the overall effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and cardiovascular markers in young adults require further exploration. This study aims to examine the relationship between sleep deprivation, brain fog, early cognitive decline, and cardiovascular risk factors in this population. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 300 participants aged 18-30 from Pakistan and various other countries. Participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using four validated instruments: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), applying chi-square tests, independent sample t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression to assess associations between sleep deprivation, cognitive performance, and cardiovascular outcomes. Results Participants with shorter sleep durations had significantly higher scores in cognitive failures (p < 0.01) and perceived stress (p < 0.01). Poor sleep quality was associated with reduced cognitive performance (r = -0.114, p < 0.05), and it also increased the likelihood of developing cardiovascular risk factors. Participants with a family history of CVD exhibited significantly higher cognitive failure scores (t = 5.540, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a decline in sleep quality was associated with increased cardiovascular risk (B = 0.035, p = 0.019), although sleep disorders were not significantly influenced by sleep quality deterioration (B = 0.012, p = 0.400). Employment status and smoking habits were also found to impact both sleep quality and cognitive function (p < 0.01). Conclusions This study highlights the adverse impact of insufficient sleep on cognitive function and cardiovascular health in young adults aged 18-30. Poor sleep quality is associated with increased cognitive errors, heightened stress levels, and a greater risk of cardiovascular issues. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted health interventions aimed at improving sleep hygiene and lifestyle behaviors to reduce the risk of early cognitive decline and cardiovascular conditions. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and objective sleep tracking to strengthen causal inferences. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025, Younas et al.]N/
Case study
Get PDFEarth observation data contains vast amounts of valuable information that enhance comprehension of environmental changes and support informed decision-making regarding our planet. The Copernicus Browser is a powerful online platform designed to facilitate the visualisation and analysis of these data. Meanwhile, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming numerous fields. This case study presents a scenario demonstrating how AI can assist in the spatial analysis of imagery data related to wildfires in Los Angeles, obtained from the Copernicus Browser.Unfunde
The experience of teaching as a learner, collaborator, and a catalyst: collective experiences of using game based approaches to teach games
Get PDFCopyright © The Author(s) 2018. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications.This study focuses on the analysis of collective meaning associated with secondary physical education teachers’ (n = 12) experiences of teaching games using a game based approach (GBA). Participants taught in one of two different international contexts, southeast Australia or southeast England, and all had some experience of using a GBA to teach games. A phenomenographic research framework was utilised to uncover the qualitatively finite number of ways that GBA-related teaching was/can be experienced. As guided by use of a phenomenographic analysis framework, three conceptions of awareness were identified that detail the collective meaning associated with participants’ experiences of teaching using a GBA, namely that of a Learner, a Collaborator and/or a Catalyst. An analysis of findings is presented with discussion focusing on what can be learnt from the different ways GBA teaching is experienced and implications for GBA teaching practice.N/
More than a moment: German Jews and the First World War
No full textWith the spotlight on the census, other aspects of the German-Jewish war experience gradually faded into the background. In the post-war years, few people wanted to talk about army rabbis or Jewish sailors. The charitable efforts of synagogue communities or Jewish female volunteers in hospitals and at railway stations was also quickly forgotten. What had once been an extremely varied and diverse experience of conflict descended into little more than a public battle over statistics. For the most part, this narrative of national sacrifice rewarded with a brutal betrayal has been the mainstay of historical writing too. Yet, for German Jews, the census was always just a single brief moment in what was a much longer First World War.Unfunde
Open science, communication, and collaboration for the future of palaeoproteomics
Get PDFPalaeoproteomics focuses on studying the past by analysing proteins preserved in historical, archaeological, and palaeontological materials. Over the past fifteen years, the number of publications and research questions in this field has grown substantially, as has the number of researchers and research groups utilising palaeoproteomic methods. PAASTA (Palaeoproteomics And Archaeology, Society for Techniques and Advances) is an international early career researcher-driven community, which aims to bring together researchers from all subdisciplines of palaeoproteomics by providing a platform for open communication. Here, we discuss ways in which this fast-growing research field can benefit from adopting principles of open science and increased communication and collaboration between researchers. We approach this question from all stages of a typical research project, from experimental design and sample selection, to data analysis and raw data sharing. Although we acknowledge that each of these guidelines and recommendations may not be applicable to every research project, we aim to provide a foundation which, when applied collectively, will strengthen the future of palaeoproteomics.This research has been made possible through funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, grant agreement no. 787282 (Beasts2Craft, supporting M.C. and B.N.), no. 948365 (PROSPER, awarded to F.W.), and no. 865222 (EQuaTe, supporting M.R.D.), as well as under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 956351 (ChemArch, supporting J.D.), and the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 101106627 (PROMISE, awarded to Z.F.), and ERC grant agreement no. 101041245 (MATRIX, supporting C.P.) and no. 101039416 (Fashioning Sudan, supporting L.C.V.C.), and the Volkswagen Foundation (C.W.), and by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (460129525, NFDI4 Microbiota EnterArchaeo, C.W.), and the Werner Siemens Foundation (Paleobiotechnology, C.W.), and the U.S. National Science Foundation (C.W.), and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute (C.W.). T.T. is supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (FOREST, no. JPMJFR233D). R.M.W. is supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR) Young Researcher (JCJC) Grant awarded to Sophia V. Hansson (ANR-21-CE34-0001, ATCAF-project). F.W. is supported by VILLUM FONDEN (no. 40747
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